This book was ok. I had to force myself to finish it though. It was so slow and didn't pick up to a little close to the end.

This was a fun visit to a new place that I had first read last year, and it was great catching up with Shelby and her aunt Edie. I love the character of Edie to begin with and the sweet but tough caretaker Matthew who really liked Edie. I'm sure the feeling was mutual.

After the police found a visiting author dead in one of the castle's secret passageway staircases, Shelby couldn't help but get involved. She'd met and liked this author, but the more she snooped and ended up hearing that suspects were cleared, the more confusing it got. The showdown with the killer was exciting, especially when Shelby noticed that someone hiding had her back during it. I had been suspecting the person but wasn't really sure why. I'm definitely happy with where Shelby and Zack are in their dating life and the sweet ending the book had. Here's to the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

How I love coming back to Blye Island and Blye Castle in the beautiful Thousand Islands of upstate New York! When reading the first novel in this delightful Castle Bookshop Mystery series, Trouble on the Books, I fell in love with the castle, its bookstore, the characters, and JT, the cat. The people of Alexandria Bay are personable and well-defined, and the mystery is tough to solve!

Edie and her niece Shelby, co-owners of Bayside Books, are prepared for a special book signing by best-selling true crime author, Savannah Page. One signing will be in the original store that Edie runs with her best friend and long-time employee, Trudy. The next afternoon, Savannah will sign books at the Blye Castle location. The board approved her special request, so Savannah will spend the night at the castle, which has never been done before. Matthew, caretaker of the island and castle, lives on the island and is available in an emergency, and Frank, retired from the local “mainland” hotel, has been hired to be a butler for the night to see to the author’s needs.

The book signings are a huge success with one notable exception. Jenna, a local, came into the main store, very upset with the author. She claimed that Savannah took her ideas and research for a book Jenna had planned to write and discussed with Savannah earlier that year. It was going to be about Joe Cabana, a reputed mobster in the days when rumrunning was big, especially on Blye. He was murdered on the island he called home and the crime never solved, so Savannah wants to write about this cold case. The atmosphere of staying overnight in the castle might help her research.

Savannah’s fiancé Liam is in town with her, but he will stay alone at their hotel that night as Savannah didn’t want any distractions when she worked. They were seen arguing at the dock where the boat going to and from the island would pick her up.

When Shelby arrives at the castle the next day, the daytime security guards are searching the castle and grounds. Savannah is missing, not having been seen since the prior evening. Shortly after, Shelby heard they found Savannah. She was dead at the bottom of the stairs of one of the hidden passageways Shelby thought was the stuff of rumors. It is determined she was murdered.

Despite her best intentions, the orders of Police Chief Stone, and request of Zack, the protective guy she is dating, Shelby gets involved in the investigation. After all, it took place at the castle where she works. She met, had dinner with, and liked the fascinating author. Clues and theories simply keep dropping into her lap! Matthew, the caretaker, is also one of the chief’s suspects, albeit a reach, but Shelby isn’t willing to let her beloved aunt’s dear friend be railroaded.

This exciting mystery has several plot twists that increase the suspects. I followed my “pet” suspect throughout, then came up with a second choice. I was somewhat surprised to discover which of the two “pet suspects” it really was, and very surprised at the why! The end is completely satisfactory, with all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries with unique settings, bookstores, and engaging characters. This is a series I really enjoy!

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Death on the Page is a great cozy mystery that bibliophiles would love to read. The main character, Shelby, is a strong woman who is building her life as co-owner to a set of bookstores. I love her determination, strength, and of course, her curious nature. The plot was crafted with enough twists and suspects to keep me turning the pages until the end. I received an advanced reader's copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I would love to own a bookstore and how cool would it be to have that bookstore in a castle. You would think that Shelby would have plenty to do just taking care of business, her aunt, and her cat. She does seem to find time to ask lots of questions. Are these questions going to get her into trouble? Have you ever gone to an author signing? I love to meet authors and hear about how their stories came to be and learn the process they go through to get the book written. It was fun to hang out with Shelby, Erica, Zack, and the rest of the crew. Do you think an author would do what Savannah was accused of? I really enjoyed the story line and the characters. I hope you do too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

It’s the end of the tourist season in Death on the Page. Shelby and her Aunt Trudy own two bookstores in upstate New York. One of the bookstores is located in historic Blye Castle. The Castle doesn’t usually allow overnight guests but made an exception for famous author, Savannah Page, who was also doing book signings in both bookstores.

During the first signing, Savannah is confronted by a woman vowing revenge while claiming that Savannah’s new book was her idea. The day after the second signing and Savannah’s stay overnight in the Castle, she is found dead at the bottom of a staircase in a hidden passage within the Castle.

As with the previous book in the series, the mystery was too easy to solve. There were a couple of red herrings but they were easy to spot. The author also focused too much on insignificant details rather than strengthening the breadth of the main characters.

I try to give new series at least two books before I abandon them. Unfortunately, I enjoyed Death on the Page even less than the first entry in the series. It’s a hard pass for me. 2 stars.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

It’s the end of the tourist season in Death on the Page. Shelby and her Aunt Trudy own two bookstores in upstate New York. One of the bookstores is located in historic Blye Castle. The Castle doesn’t usually allow overnight guests but made an exception for famous author, Savannah Page, who was also doing book signings in both bookstores.

During the first signing, Savannah is confronted by a woman vowing revenge while claiming that Savannah’s new book was her idea. The day after the second signing and Savannah’s stay overnight in the Castle, she is found dead at the bottom of a staircase in a hidden passage within the Castle.

As with the previous book in the series, the mystery was too easy to solve. There were a couple of red herrings but they were easy to spot. The author also focused too much on insignificant details rather than strengthening the breadth of the main characters.

I try to give new series at least two books before I abandon them. Unfortunately, I enjoyed Death on the Page even less than the first entry in the series. It’s a hard pass for me. 2 stars.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Trouble on the Books wasn't my favourite cosy mystery of last year, but I thought I'd give the series another chance. I think book 2 is a bit stronger, although still not my favourite in the genre.

Shelby Cox is settling into her life helping her aunt run a bookshop in a castle tourism site. She's got friends, a steady boyfriend, and is finding out a little more about her absent mother. However, when a true crime writer negotiates a stay in the castle for research, things take a dark turn. Can Shelby keep her nose out of yet another murder?

Well, of course not, otherwise there wouldn't be much of a mystery! While it provides the main plot, it feels fairly secondary to elements of Shelby's life, which is the wrong balance to firmly capture my attention.

Still, a sweet and decent read; a perfect palate cleanser :)

Death on the Page is the second book in The Castle Bookshop Mystery Series by Essie Lang. This was a quick, enjoyable read. I found that the book while a mystery was not gruesome at all but simply a nice "who did it." Lang kept my attention until the end and wanting to find out who committed the crime. While I had my suspicions from the long list of potential suspects, I was not completely sure until the end.

I had not read the first book in this series. I found that Death on the Page can be read as a stand-alone book. However, Lang does include frequent allusions to the first book. As such, being familiar with the first book and thus knowing more about the main character would make Death on the Page that much more enjoyable.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.

This second mystery of the Castle Bookshop series is definitely uneven. There are many references to the first book and carryover info from that could have been much better explained.

The setting is interesting -- a bookstore inside a historic castle on a small New York island. Shelby Cox, formerly in publishing, runs the bookstore and her Aunt Edie runs its sister store on the mainland. In this outing, a true crime author comes to do a book signing and gets permission to spend one night in the castle. There was a murder committed there and the author is doing research for her next book. But the author is found dead at the foot of the stairs the next day. Was she pushed or did she fall? There are plenty of suspects: her fiance, her agent, a couple of wannabe authors who accused her of stealing their ideas ...

Here's where things get dicey. The book is nicely written, but the characterizations don't ring true. Those of us who read cozies expect our heroines to be nosy despite their loved ones and the local police constantly telling them to butt out. But Shelby is on a whole other level. She pushes herself into very awkward and implausible situations to ask questions of possible suspects. And she is trying hard to develop a relationship with a local Coast Guard guy and risks spoiling everything multiple times. Shelby is not likable or believable.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Death on the Page is the 2nd book in the Castle Bookshop mystery.

I really loved the setting for this book, it reminds me of the time my family spent in that area at Griffith’s AFB recreation area. The water, scenery, and weather are so picturesque. We had a wonderful time creating memories. I was happy to be transported back to that area.

Shelby is a bit worried when she finds out that Savannah Page, a visiting author, is actually going to be spending the night at the castle, on an island in the Thousand Islands in the St Lawrence River/ Alexandria Bay area. Shelby is concerned about problems like damage to the property and liability.

Savannah Page, a bestselling author comes to visit. The author is accused of stealing a story line. A few days later, she is found dead in a secret passage inside the castle.

Shelby does some sleuthing to discover what happened to Savannah Page. There are a lot of twist and turns. I think Shelby is not always thinking things through and is often placing herself in harm’s way.

I did like the characters, the setting, and the story.

Shelby Cox is winding down the season at the castle bookshop. She and her Aunt Edie are hosting book signings by author Savannah at the mainland bookshop and the castle bookshop. Edie is still recovering from her knee replacement and ends up being absent from the signings and dinner with Savannah and her fiancé Liam. Savannah has arranged to stay overnight in the castle for research on a new book. The next morning she is missing and then found dead.
Shelby is warned not to investigate but keeps asking questions anyway. It causes friction in her relationship with Zach.
The mystery was good. I suspected the murderer and was right. The investigation seemed to be leading nowhere until suddenly it blew up into danger for Shelby. It felt like a rough transition from starting to get tired of the investigation dragging on to boom the answer is right in front of you. This lead to four stars for the rating.
I like Shelby and the other main characters. This is the second book in the Castle Bookshop Mystery series and it really is better if you have read book 1 first.

Cute little cozy mystery. I didn’t read the first one, but I’ll go back to read it. I like the characters and also the setting. This would be a dream job to work in a bookstore in a castle in a picturesque tourist town. Hunk of a boyfriend and best friend who makes truffles. Solves mysteries on the side. What’s not to like about Shelby?

Another delightful bookshop mystery by Essie Lang. There is a smidgeon of romance, several suspects, secret passageways, a cat, friends, and family. Oh yes, I can't forget chocolates. The story moved along at a nice pace. Sounds like a charming place to visit. Wish it were real.

Shelby Author Savanna comes to both locations of Bayside Books for her latest book signing. To research her next move she spends the night in Blye Castle with only a butler in attendance. Savanna is found and unfavorable events makes the list of suspects grow. Shelby is drawn into the investigation by those who have an interest in being cleared of suspicion. Chief Stone confides in Sheby in order to keep her away from the investigation. Shelby cannot curb the curiosity of finding out why Savanna is murdered and it places her in danger when the killer confronts her. Enjoyed the many characters in this mystery.

Shelby wasn't all that enthused about allowing true crime writer Savannah to spend the night at Blye Castle while she's in the Thousand Islands for a book signing but what could go wrong? Well, something did because Savannah is found dead the next morning. Was it related to her research into an old case involving a man suspected of being involved with the mob? Or was it one of the others who had issues with her? Shelby, despite warnings from law enforcement and her boyfriend Zak, investigates and, fans of cozies know, finds the perp. There are some nice characters- not only Shelby but also her aunt Edie- and the setting in the Thousand Islands is delightful. This is the second installment in the series (it's fine as a standalone) and the it's growing nicely. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read.

This is the 2nd installment of the Castle Bookshop series. Shelby Cox co-owns a bookstore with her Aunt Edie and they have 2 locations on in Alexandria Bay and one on the Blye Island where there is a castle. It is fall in Alexandria Bay and Shelby is finishing up her first season at the Castle bookshop and both her and her Aunt are looking forward to true crime author Savannah Page’s two book signings to get some extra profits as they soon head into the winter season when the Castle bookshop will be closed. Savannah has generated buzz before she arrives as she is planning to be the first guest to spend the night in the castle to investigate the notorious Joe Cabana as he supposedly haunts the castle. At the first book signing in Alexandria Bay a local author accuses Savannah of stealing her story and Shelby is on edge that the same encounter will happen again the next day at the Castle book store. The signings are successful and Shelby is anxious the next day to talk to Savannah on how spending the night in the castle went. Savannah is missing and later found dead at the bottom of one of the hidden passageways. Items also recently have been stolen at the Castle so could the two be related? I enjoyed this story and was kept engaged the entire time. Everyone including the Chief of Police are expecting Shelby to ask questions and is consistently told to back off by Police and her Coast Guard boyfriend Zack. Plenty of suspects and the reveal came about suddenly at the end. This is a good series and look forward to the next installment.

New from Essie Lang (AKA. Erika Chase/Lina Wiken) comes the second book in the "A Castle Bookshop Mystery" book store cozy series, Death on the Page published by Crooked Lane Books.

Shelby has begun to think of the Castle bookshop and Blye Island as home. She doesn't want anything to ruin her newfound happiness, and even though she doesn't go looking for trouble, it ends up practically on her doorstep. In this latest book store cozy, the main character finds herself asking questions that could lead her into danger, or worse. Shelby is a wounded character, a quiet and isolated childhood, with a father who didn't trust anyone made for a lonely life until she moved to Blye Island. It takes a lot of patience and love to gain her trust and friendship. But slowly, she is beginning to grow emotionally and realizes that she loves having friends and family around.

The characters in this book store cozy are everything a reader would want, with just a hint of weirdness we all need in our lives. Some are lovable, some are quirky, and some are stubborn, but they all keep readers wanting to know more. Blye Island is a perfect setting for a book store and a murder. The suspects are sparse but enough to keep readers guessing. The investigation seems to be a little on the lite side and motives slim. I did not wholly believe the ending. The killer did not seem likely, and this took away some of my enjoyment, but not so much that I don't want to read the next book in the series. Death on the Page is an enjoyable read that won't take up too much of the reader's time. The characters are fun, the plot, although done many times in murder mysteries, is still interesting.

ARC provided by NetGalley

This is the second book in the new "Castle Bookshop" mystery series. I have read the first in series and adore this series. Set in a castle the bookstore and its surroundings are a great part of this series . The series location is set in Alexandria Bay and Blye Island, New York. I love the setting and how the atmosphere of a ancient castle sets the tone for this series. What could be more mysterious and fun then a bookstore in a ancient castle with secrets and history abound ! Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

As we return to the island and to the Castle Bookshop with Shelby who is co owner of the Castle Bookstore with her Aunt and co owner of her Aunt's mainland location. Her Aunt is a bit hard on Shelby but Shelby is developing a solid relationship with her. Shelby has been the manager of the Castle Bookstore as a new resident to the town to help out her Aunt and settle down. She has enjoyed her new life here and made many friends with the locals and loves life on the bay. The author has a talent for incorporating the atmosphere so well that it is such a enjoyable part of this series.

Shelby wants to boost business at the bookstore which is a business that runs mainly during tourist season as the Castle has to be reached by boat . Shelby host a true crime writer with a affinity for the castle and its history. The author wants to spend the night in the castle and Shelby agrees. When she is found murdered the next morning Shelby is determined to find out what happened. As the clues stack up so do the suspects and Shelby is once again proving to be very adept at solving crimes and finding hidden clues. The mystery moves forward with the perfect amount of red herrings and drama for Shelby to have to change directions until she solves the murder. I loved the twists and turns and found this one of my favorite reads of 2020 in cozy mysteries. Very well done to the author. A most enjoyable read. I look forward to the next in series.

Bayside Books is hosting signings by author Savannah Page at the main store and their Blye Castle location. Unfortunately, Aunt Edie falls in her garden at home and misses the event since she has to go to the hospital. That night Shelby plays host to Savannah and her fiancé, Liam, at dinner before her signing at the castle bookshop the next day.

Savannah’s research for her next book involves Blye Castle, and she manages to get permission to spend the night in the castle. The problem is no one can find her in the morning until a search of underground tunnels locates her body at the bottom of the steps in one of the secret passages.

Lots of red herrings distract: items go missing in the castle, and someone steals a map of the castle from the backroom at Bayside Books. Then Jenna Dunlap accuses Savannah of stealing her book idea during the book signing, and Rachel Michaels claims Savannah’s just-published book is hers.

Death on the Page is Essie Lang’s second Castle Bookshop Mystery and is a well-concocted sequel to the first in the series. Characters continue to evolve, relationships deepen, and the pace keeps the reader’s attention.